Thursday, July 26, 2012

Warrior Dash 2012

On July 14th, Kevin and I became Warriors and completed the Warrior Dash (click on link to see the course) back in Iowa.  We did this crazy race with my family: Kelly, Brian, Jordan, and Tonya.

The race consisted of a 5k distance with 12 obstacles added in along the way.  Most of the race was ran through the woods up hills and trying to dodge rocks, tree stumps, and branches.

The three of us ladies wore hot pink and black tutus made by my mom.  Thanks Mom!  Warriors in tutus!  Sounds tough!  The guys wore team shirts from my brother-in-laws team from work. 

We were all pumped, and a little nervous, the morning of the race.  {I was hoping I was in good enough shape! Ha!}

Pre-Race



Allie wanted a picture wearing her tutu, too!

The Warrior Gang - myself, Kevin, Kelly, Brian, Tonya, and Jordan

My dad and cousin Jordan with the twins.  My parents stayed at my sister's house and babysat while we did the race.  We thought this year was too hot and a busy, muddy place to bring the kids this year.

At the race getting ready for the fun to begin.


Warrior Sistas!



Pictures from during the race were taken by Tonya's mom and dad.  Tonya and I ended up finishing the race together.

This was the ending and so the spectators were able to see the last two obstacles: jumping over the fire and swimming through the mud under the barbed wire.

Getting ready to make the plunge into the muddy water!

In back - myself & In front - Tonya.  Look for our pink tutus.

I'm the one ducking and Tonya is just in front of me.  Trying to not let the muddy water near my mouth if I could help it.

Yay!  We just had crossed the finish line!

Kevin and Jordan finished before us.  Pretty muddy!

Had such an awesome time doing this experience with my family!

So excited to have completed the Warrior Dash!

Can you see those muscles?!
Look out Warrior Dash 2013....we're coming back!  Can't wait to think of next year's costumes!

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

New Friend

Matthew and Kate love Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.  When my mom and I were shopping at Target when I was back last week we spotted a Minnie doll.  Kate immediately took to it at the store.  Thanks Grandma for Kate's new best friend, Minnie! 

She loves carrying it around, giving her hugs, and dancing (Kate's swaying dancing) with her.

Of course, she needs both 'monkey blanket' and her Minnie

talking to Minnie



Can't wait for the doll stage to begin. :)

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Swimming Lessons

This evening, the twins had their first child/parent swimming lesson class.  It was a perfect night for swimming. 

Kate was such a happy girl at lessons.  Our little fish!  She loved the water and was easy going with me as I was moving her back and forth from her back to tummy.  Her attempt at blowing bubbles in the water was more like she was trying to take a bite out of the water.  But she definitely was starting to not mind when water would get onto her face.  I think she had a smile on her face that lasted the who lesson!

Matthew, well, he was daddy's swimming partner...and we can say daddy wasn't having as easy time as mommy.  Matthew liked the water.  That wasn't the problem.  Instead of doing the things in the water that instructor said; he had his own agenda!  He wanted nothing to do with the organized activities.  He had his eye set on the playground area in the shallow end. 

Luckily for Matty, we got some free time at the end of the lesson to play around on the water equipment.  He didn't want to leave!  And either did Kate.  Both were having waaaay too much fun! 

First swim lesson ='s  a SUCCESS!




We took pictures before the lessons started.  Sorry I don't have any during their time in the water.  Too hard to take pictures since both of us have to be in the water with a kiddo.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Cousin Love

These pictures make my heart melt!  Can't wait for the fun times these cousins are going to have together as they get older.  Forever friends!

Matching cousins



This one definitely is going in a frame!


Allie - "It's okay cousin, Kate.  Don't cry." 

Matthew can drive his sister and cousin around. ;)



Tuesday, July 17, 2012

3rd Dufel Reunion - 2012

Three years ago, my Dad's side of the family decided a great way to keep in touch would be to have a Dufel Reunion in the summers.  My cousin Jordan and his wife Tonya and myself decided this year we would plan the festivities.  We decided to keep the reunion located locally here in Dike at the City Park and community pool. 

Saturday, July 7th:
We started the morning off at the park with a kickball game followed by a few more games - water balloon toss and relay race.  For lunch we grilled and had a potluck with yummy items to share.  After lunch, we will all very hot!  Got to love this crazy, hot summer we are having!  But it was a perfect day for a swim.  We all headed to the Dike pool and had a great time swimming and trying to cool off.

That evening we went to the pizza place in Reinbeck and then ended the night at a bonfire at the Dike campsite. 

Sunday, July 8th:
Sunday morning we had a potluck breakfast at my parent's house. Most of us were pretty tired from the day before so we just enjoyed conversation with each other and lounging around.
Our reunion was a lot of fun! Always a great time to see my extended family since we don't get to see them often as we would like.

And a big THANKS to my in-laws for helping watch the twins on Saturday during their nap time and while we went to the bonfire that evening. Your help was appreciated!!!

My dad and Katers

kickball game!


Our Niece Allie

Our nephews - Andrew and Kaleb

Kate loved the swings, Matthew wasn't a big fan as you can tell he was wanting out.

Weeee! Kater loves to swing!



Our 'major hunk'


But Matthew does love the slides!

Cousins - myself and Jordan

My sister swinging with all of her friends.

My brother Michael and sister-in-law Melissa playing with Kate.


Swinging buddies!  Kelly, Tonya, and my dad.

My cousin Jordan and his daughter Brooklyn

Water balloon toss





Who knows? :)


My aunt Sharon and her grand-daughter Noel (6 months old)

Chow time.


Sunday breakfast



Thanks to everyone who was able to make it to the reunion.  We hope you had just as good of time as we did!